Melanoma is a skin cancer that can spread if left untreated, which is why finding and treating it early matters.
Melanoma develops from melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment giving skin its colour. It can appear anywhere on the body, including areas that rarely see the sun. Most melanomas begin as a new spot on otherwise normal skin rather than in an existing mole.
Australia and New Zealand have the highest rates of melanoma in the world. Cancer Australia estimates that more than 17,400 Australians were diagnosed with melanoma in 2025, making it the third most commonly diagnosed cancer, and that around 1 in 19 people will be diagnosed by the age of 85.
Those numbers sound confronting. The more useful part of the picture is this: melanoma found early is usually straightforward to treat.
What is melanoma?
Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells that sit in the outer layer of your skin. When they grow in a controlled way, they form moles (also called naevi). When they begin to grow uncontrollably, the result can be melanoma.
Moles themselves are generally harmless and very rarely become melanoma. Only around one in five melanomas arise from a pre-existing mole. The majority appear as an entirely new spot.
Unlike basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma is more likely to spread beyond the skin if it is not treated. You can read more about how the different types compare in our guide to melanoma vs non-melanoma skin cancer.
What does melanoma look like?
The most common signs are a new spot, or an existing spot that is changing in size, shape or colour.
Doctors often use the ABCDEFG guide to describe features worth checking:
A. Asymmetry: the two halves of the spot do not match
B. Border: edges are uneven, jagged or blurred
C. Colour: the colour is uneven, or there is more than one shade
D. Diameter: wider than about 6 mm, though many melanomas are smaller
E. Evolving: changing in size, shape, colour or texture over weeks or months
F. Firm: the spot feels firm to touch
G. Growing: the spot is getting bigger or raised
Other changes worth having looked at:
- a sore that does not heal
- itching, scaling, bleeding, oozing, swelling or tenderness in or around a spot
- pigment spreading from a spot into the surrounding skin
- a new pink, red, blue-grey or black spot appearing in adulthood
- a dark streak under a fingernail or toenail
- a firm, fast-growing lump
Not all melanomas are dark. Some are pink, red or skin-coloured, which is one reason they can be easy to dismiss.
If there is a spot you do not recognise, it is worth having it checked. Assessing a spot early is far simpler than waiting to see what it does.
Types of melanoma
Superficial spreading melanoma
The most common type. It usually grows outwards along the surface of the skin before growing deeper.
Nodular melanoma
Less common but faster growing, often appearing as a firm, raised lump. It may be pink or red rather than brown or black.
Lentigo maligna melanoma
Develops slowly on sun-damaged skin, typically on the face, ears, neck and scalp in older adults. It can resemble a harmless freckle or age spot.
Acral lentiginous melanoma
Uncommon, and found on the palms, soles and under the nails. It is not related to sun exposure and occurs across all skin types.
What increases your risk of melanoma?
Risk factors include:
- fair skin that burns or freckles easily, blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair
- unprotected exposure to UV radiation, including solariums
- a history of blistering sunburn, particularly in childhood
- many moles, large moles, or moles that look different to your others
- a family history of melanoma or unusual moles
- a personal history of any skin cancer
- a weakened immune system, from illness or medication
- exposure to radiation or certain chemicals
- xeroderma pigmentosum, a rare inherited condition affecting the skin's ability to repair UV damage
- increasing age
- being male, as melanoma is more common in men in Australia and New Zealand
Melanoma can also occur in people with none of these risk factors, which is why knowing your own skin matters regardless of your background.
What happens at a skin check
A skin check is a thorough, methodical examination of your skin by a doctor.
Your doctor will use a dermatoscope, a specialised magnifier using polarised and non-polarised light, to see colours and structures beneath the skin surface that are not visible to the naked eye.
If a spot is suspicious, the usual next step is complete removal of the lesion so it can be examined by a pathologist. Where melanoma is suspected, small partial biopsies are generally avoided, as they may not represent the whole lesion.
For people with many moles or a higher risk profile, total body photography and digital dermoscopy allow individual spots to be compared over time. Subtle change is often the earliest signal that something has altered.
You can read more about our full body skin check and what to expect on the day.
How melanoma is treated
Surgery is the main treatment for early melanoma. Melanoma Institute Australia reports that when melanoma is found early, around 90% can be treated with surgery alone.
Melanoma that is deeper or has spread may require a combination of approaches, which can include surgery, drug therapy such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy, and radiation therapy. Advanced melanoma is generally managed by a multidisciplinary team including a melanoma surgeon and medical oncologist.
Treatment depends on the individual, the type and stage of the melanoma, and other health factors. Your doctor will discuss the options, benefits and risks relevant to your situation.
When to book a skin check
Consider booking an urgent spot check if you notice:
- a new spot, particularly after the age of 30
- a spot that is changing in size, shape, colour or texture
- a spot that looks different to the others on your skin
- a sore that has not healed within a few weeks
- a spot that bleeds, crusts, itches or becomes tender
- a dark line or streak under a nail
You may also wish to book a routine check if you have fair skin, significant sun exposure, many moles, or a personal or family history of skin cancer.
How often you need a skin check is individual. It depends on your risk factors, your skin cancer history and your doctor's advice.
Skin checks at Solvera
Solvera Skin Cancer Institute is led by three doctors who work exclusively in skin cancer medicine, with postgraduate qualifications including a Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) alongside their general practice training.
We provide total body photography and digital dermoscopy monitoring for patients at higher risk, and manage diagnosis, excision and pathology in one place, so if something needs treating, your care continues with the doctor who found it.
Book a skin check online
Or call our reception team on (02) 8806 2207.
Book a skin cancer check
Frequently asked questions
Can a normal mole turn into melanoma?
It can, but it is uncommon. Moles are generally harmless, and only around one in five melanomas develop from an existing mole. Most appear as a new spot on normal-looking skin.
Can melanoma appear on skin that has not been in the sun?
Yes. Melanoma can develop on the scalp, armpits, soles of the feet, under the nails, and on the genital and anal areas. This is why a full body examination is more thorough than checking sun-exposed skin alone.
Is melanoma always brown or black?
No. Some melanomas are pink, red or skin-coloured. A spot that is not dark can still be worth checking, particularly if it is new, firm or growing.
Does a skin check hurt?
A skin check itself involves looking at your skin with a dermatoscope and is not painful. If a spot needs to be removed, this is done under local anaesthetic and your doctor will explain the procedure beforehand.
How often should I have a skin check?
This varies between individuals. Your doctor will recommend an interval based on your skin type, history and risk factors.
Medically reviewed by: Dr Tim Scrivener, MBBS, FRACGP, MMed (Skin Cancer)
Last reviewed: August 2026
Sources: Cancer Australia, Cancer Council Australia, Melanoma Institute Australia, DermNet NZ
